The intake of unwanted pedigree dogs by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has reached alarming levels. In 2007, half the dogs taken in by the animal welfare organisation were pedigrees, with an average of 126 pedigree dogs lost/unwanted each month.
In 2007, the SPCA took in 3,002 unwanted dogs, of which 1,521 were pedigree. This means an average of 250 dogs were lost/unwanted each month, half of which were pedigree dogs. This 50 percent figure shows a significant and steady increase over the years.
It is a trend that shows no sign of abating. In January 2008, the SPCA received 125 lost/unwanted pedigrees. Of these, 16 were Jack Russell Terriers, followed by 15 Golden Retrievers and 15 Maltese. Shih Tzus numbered 11 along with Schnauzers; there were nine Silky Terriers, seven Pomeranians and seven Siberian Huskies.
On top of the breeds listed above, other pedigrees in the SPCA's care between November - December 2007 include the following: Beagle, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua, Cocker Spaniel, Chow Chow, Dachshund, German Shepherd, Keeshond, Labrador, Miniature Pinscher, Miniature Poodle, Welsh Corgi. These include unwanted dogs brought in to the SPCA, as well as lost and unclaimed pets.
In view of the large number of unwanted and abandoned pedigree dogs, the SPCA has written in to the AVA asking for a restriction to be placed on the importation and commercial breeding/sale of pedigree dogs.
Some of the reasons given to the SPCA for unwanted dogs include: "leaving country"; "moving house"; "expecting a child"; "too many dogs"; "not enough space"; and, more commonly, "no time to look after".
Ignorance and a basic lack of commitment can mean dog owners are not mindful of their duties to train and provide the right social environment for their pets. This can lead to behavioural problems which unprepared owners are not willing to cater to, particularly when the novelty of owning a cute (and small) puppy wears off and personal lifestyle changes - such as moving or having a baby - cause stress.
The SPCA investigates 70 - 80 complaints of alleged animal abuse each month, with a large number involving the mistreatment of dogs. Complaints range from dogs being tied up or caged for most of the day to incessant barking or whining. Dogs that are tied up, caged, or left alone for long periods can become distant, timid, uncertain and hostile. Not only is this distressing for the animal and worrying for its owners, it has an impact on the surrounding community as irate or concerned neighbours may take action.
The SPCA advocates responsible pet ownership in various ways, including counselling potential dog owners prior to adoption and organising dog care seminars.
During these free seminars, members of the public can learn more about the responsibilities of pet ownership and how to care for and train their pets. Previous dog care seminars have proved popular and the SPCA is keen to offer more.
For more information on either attending or organising dog care seminars, please contact educationpr@spca.org.sg. The SPCA also encourages pet sterilisation and applauds the new compulsory micro-chipping law introduced in September 2007.
More information on these measures can be found on our website.
The SPCA also warns against impulse pet purchases and urges potential pet owners to carefully consider the implications of dog ownership as a family, including a realistic assessment of what this lifelong commitment entails and what one can provide.
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